Knock. Knock. Knock.
'Ugh... Coming.' Nick moans sleepily as he gets off the sofa and makes his way towards the front door. Carla is curled up at one end of the sofa as Eliza sleeps peacefully.
'Hey, Chelle... Come on in.' Nick says smiling as he opens the front door.
'You look exhausted? Rough night?' Michelle asks as she places a carrier bag from Roy's on the kitchen counter.
'Yeah. We had to take Eliza out for a walk at like half 3. She just wouldn't settle. She eventually settled though and we got back in the house for like 5.' He replies and Michelle smiles.
'Well I won't stay but I've brought you both lunch... It's just rolls and meat from Roy's so it'll keep until you've both caught up on your sleep.' She says smiling as she glances at Carla.
'Thanks, Chelle.' Nick says covering his mouth as he yawns.
'Phone me if you need anything and try get some sleep.' Michelle replies patting his shoulder before turning and quietly leaving the flat.
'Who was that?' Carla asks sleepily.
'Chelle... She brought us lunch. Go back to sleep, it'll keep until later.' He replies making his way back over to the sofa. He sits down on the sofa and she instantly curls her body against his as he stretches his legs out to rest on the table.
To Chelle (2:21pm) :
Thank you so much for lunch! You doing much today?xxx
From Chelle (2:25pm) :
No problem. Is that you just up? Not much really, just at home xx
To Chelle (2:28pm) :
Yeah. Last night was rough! Fancy coming to the factory with me? I told Aidan I'd pop in today but I've not actually made it out the house yet. We can have a proper catch up?xxx
From Chelle (2:35pm) :
That sounds good. When are you heading over?xx
To Chelle (2:38pm) :
Around 3ish. I need to get myself and Eliza dressed xxx
From Chelle (2:42pm) :
Okay. I'll meet you over there xx
Carla places her phone on the table and turns to face Nick who is cradling Eliza against his chest.
'Chelle's going to come with me over to the factory to see Aidan. Do you want to come?' She asks and he shakes his head.
'No, I think I'll stay here. Maybe tidy up a bit? Assemble the rest of the baby stuff.' He replies causing her to smile.
'Are you sure? You don't have to do that? Come have a cuppa and catch up?' She suggests and he shakes his head.
'Honestly babe, I'm fine here. I'll come another day but there's some things around the house I'd like to do.' He replies.
'Okay. I won't stay out long.' She says causing him to smile.
'Stay out as long as you want... I love you.' He says leaning forward and kissing her.
'I love you too... I'm going to get dressed will you get Eliza dressed?' She asks and he nods his head.
'Of course I will.' He replies.
'Say hi, Uncle Aiden...' Carla says as she places Eliza in Aidan's arms.
'Oh Carla... She really is beautiful.' Aidan replies smiling as he gazes down at Eliza.
'She's also really noisy at 3 in the morning.' Carla mumbles.
'You look exhausted, sweetheart.' Michelle says and Carla shrugs her shoulders.
'I guess I'll get used to it. I'm just glad I've got Nick with me.' She replies.
'How's he coping? He looked exhausted when I seen him earlier as well.' Michelle says and Carla nods her head.
'We've been taking turns getting up with her during the night and that's been working fine but last night her screaming woke him up and we were both awake for hours.' Carla replies.
'That is the reason I'm never having kids. Can't be dealing with no sleep.' Aidan says and Carla smiles.
'You say that now. Just wait until you and Eva get more serious... You'll have kids.' Carla replies and Aidan shakes his head.
'Nope. No kids for me plus Eva said she doesn't want to lose her figure.' Aidan says.
'I've not lost my figure. I mean, I've got a little bit to lose before the wedding but other than that I'm fine.' Carla replies.
'Yeah but you didn't even have a bump.' He says.
'Chelle didn't lose her figure, she looks bloody amazing!' Carla replies gesturing to her best friend.
'I just don't think I'm dad material... I'm too selfish to have kids.' He says and Michelle laughs.
'I've heard all of that from this one... Now look at her.' She replies gesturing to Carla.
'I thought you didn't know you were pregnant?' He asks.
'I didn't, this time. With baby girl I panicked a little, I booked a termination and everything.' Carla replies.
'Oh really? Why though, you seem like you were really excited.' Aidan asks and she nods her head.
'I was once I got my head around the idea... I was scared I was going to be like my mum, scared that my child was going to grow up with an alcoholic father. The whole prospect of having a child scared me.' Carla admits as Eliza begins to whimper.
'But she soon changed her mind.' Michelle says smiling as Aidan passes Eliza to Carla.
'Mmm... Not that it was meant to be.' Carla replies quietly.
'I'm home.' Carla says smiling as she makes her way through the front door carrying Eliza.
'Hey, good afternoon?' Nick asks smiling as he makes his way over to her and wrapping his arms around them both.
'Mm... It was okay.' She replies and he kisses the top of her head.
'Where's the pram?' He asks.
'In the boot of the car. I couldn't be bothered trying to get it all the way upstairs so I just put it in the boot.' She replies.
'So I've got a surprise for you. Pass me the baby and close your eyes.' He says taking her hand. She passes Eliza to him before closing her eyes and allowing him to lead her through to the bedroom.
'Open your eyes.' He says. She does as he says and instantly gasps as she takes in the sight before her. Nick has set up the white rocking chair in the corner of their bedroom. There's a cosy pink blanket draped over the back of it and a set of drawers beside it. On the drawers is a lamp and a changing mat along with a little white wicker box filled with nappies, wipes and some sudocrem.
'Nick... This is amazing. You did all this?' She asks and he nods his head.
'It means you won't need to leave the room in the middle of the night other than to get a bottle for her.' He replies and she instantly wraps her arms around him.
'You're amazing.' She whispers.
